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GRASS MONKEY

About Me

Grass Monkey: In December of 2004, Jake Shea met Jimmy Benson, who was toting his stringed instrument, and they instantly felt a connection while pickin’ and singing to their favorite old timey bluegrass tunes. Jimmy introduced Jake to an electric bass player, Jon Knott, and they continued their fast paced style of bluegrass together. In October of 2006, Jakes family came up to Marquette, Michigan for the Annual Blues festival. At a local campground they played music and sang all weekend. On the last night of Blues Fest, Jake, Jimmy, and Jon went to finish the weekend with some fast pickin’ bluegrass. Informally meeting up with Chris Michels at the park, Chris picked up the banjo and played a unique approach to the five string banjo. Not knowing at the time the quartet that was jamming at the park just days later would secure a gig under the name GrassMonkey. From there on GrassMonkey has played and opening gig for county allstars Emerson Drive at the Vandament Arena, shared the stage with local band Chasin Steel, Lost Creek, Tomas y Los Ninos, Jesta, continue to pack a number of bars with their local devoted fans, and has currently gigs lined up with Chasin Steel at the Calumet Theatre and Upfront and Co.Download our tunes and come to our next show!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 29/01/2007
Band Website: www.grassmonkeymusic.com
Band Members: Jake Shea (mandolin, vocals) , Jim Benson (guitar, vocals) , Chris Michels (banjo's, Vocals), Jon Knott (bass)
Influences: Bill Monroe, Del McCoury, Tony Rice, Birch Road String band, The Pizza Tapes, Bela Fleck & Flecktones, Old Crow, Phish, Yonder Mountain, Umphrey's Mcgee, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, James Brown, Bryan Sutton, John Hartford, David Grisman, Jethro Tull...and all styles and genres beyond
Record Label: Unsigned

My Blog

New Album - Getting Started

Hey yall - we are going to the studio this week getting started recording our new material. Cant wait , keep an eye out
Posted by on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:16:00 GMT

Two Nights With Chasing Steel

Looking forward to jamin in a really nice theater in calument with Bluegrass band Chasing steel..... onstage shananagans will accur
Posted by on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:05:00 GMT

Check Out Superior Beats

Chris Michels and Jon Knott have formed a new band with Nick Wagner on drums, bebop on guitar, and Pete Farr on trombone. Check it outwww.myspace.com/superiorbeatsmarquette
Posted by on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 01:17:00 GMT

New Setlists From August to November of 07'

08.23.07 Save The Wild U.P.- NMUNew Songs Played:Janolin Pickle (Jim Benson)Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms (Traditional)Nellie Cane (Traditional)Hammer Them Down (Marley Cover)08.27.07 Northern Michi...
Posted by on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:33:00 GMT

04.23.07 Vandament Arena-Marquette, MI

We had fun at this show, opening for Emerson DriveOne SetFreeborn Man, Neptune>Lego Safari>Neptune, Don't Let Nobody Tie You Down, Time Travel Man, Cotton Fields>550 breakdown>Cotton Fields, Shady Gro...
Posted by on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:14:00 GMT

2.16.07 T BAR SET LIST

Complete set listIT bar jamlego safarino hiding place down herejee`savoneshotgun billywild horseshold watcha gotgoing westmichigan sandIIdont let nobody tie ya downhushdown home girlcotton fieldsmr. o...
Posted by on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:54:00 GMT

01/27/07 Jims House

01/27/07 Jim's House First Show         &n bsp;         &n bsp;   Marquette    &nb...
Posted by on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:52:00 GMT